What causes arteriosclerosis?

To prevent arteriosclerosis, we need to have a scientific understanding of its causes, because only by understanding the causes can we better prevent it. For example, patients with common diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes are very susceptible to arteriosclerosis.

1. Hypertension

Long-term impact of high-pressure blood flow on the arterial wall causes mechanical damage to the arterial intima, making it easy for blood lipids to deposit on the arterial wall, forming fatty plaques and causing arteriosclerosis and stenosis. If blood pressure is not controlled, the incidence of myocardial infarction will increase by about 2 to 3 times, and that of cerebral stroke by about 4 times.

2. Hyperlipidemia

Too much fat in the blood is more likely to deposit on the inner walls of blood vessels to form plaques, causing arteriosclerosis and narrowing.

3. Diabetes

People with diabetes will have problems with fat metabolism. The proteins that transport fat in the blood (called lipoproteins) will denature, and during the transportation process, fat will easily deposit on the inner walls of blood vessels to form fatty plaques.

4. Smoking

Nicotine, carbon monoxide and other substances in cigarettes can damage the inner walls of arteries. The damaged inner walls of arteries can trap cholesterol, causing platelets to accumulate and form fatty plaques. At the same time, smoking can cause coronary artery contraction and spasm, reducing blood flow.

5. Lack of exercise

Exercise can increase high-density lipoprotein, reduce low-density lipoprotein, help the body excrete excess cholesterol from the bile duct and intestines, and prevent excess cholesterol from depositing on the inner walls of blood vessels. In addition, exercise can promote blood circulation, increase blood vessel elasticity, lower blood pressure, consume excess calories, reduce the proportion of body fat, increase the proportion of muscle, and thus reduce weight. Therefore, people who lack exercise are prone to systemic arteriosclerosis.

6. Obesity

People who are obese or overweight have increased heart load and a higher chance of abnormal blood lipids, which increases the risk of systemic arteriosclerosis. Obesity can easily lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance syndrome.